Monkeypox vaccine available in North Carolina

Forsyth County, North Carolina — Forsyth County, North Carolina is one of seven counties in North Carolina receiving limited doses of the monkeypox vaccine controlled by the United States. Spread of outbreak Of the virus.

North Carolina I have been vaccinated 444 times with 80 vaccines going to Forsyth County. Durham, Mecklenberg, New Hanover, Pitt, Bancom, and Wake counties are also receiving doses.

Joshua Swift, Director of Public Health, Forsyth County, said:

As of July 8, 2022 Over 700 casess is in the United States and there are four in North Carolina. There is no one in Piedmont Triad.

There are no virus deaths in the United States, and authorities say the risk to the general public is low. The current strain of virus is also rarely fatal.

Related: The first case of monkeypox in North Carolina was reported, says state health leaders

according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention“Monkeypox is a rare disease caused by infection with monkeypox virus. Monkeypox virus Orthopox virus Family genus Poxvirus family.. The Orthopox virus The genus also includes smallpox virus (which causes smallpox), vaccinia virus (used in smallpox vaccines), and bovine variola virus. Monkeypox has nothing to do with chickenpox. “

The virus can cause flu-like symptoms, but it can also spread rashes and lesions throughout the body.

According to the CDC, monkeypox is not easily transmitted among humans, but it can be easily transmitted by anyone and is caused by direct contact with infectious rashes, body fluids, and respiratory secretions. There is a possibility. The disease is endemic in Africa8, where people are bitten by rodents and small animals and infected with the virus.

Health officials said it could also pass between people through contaminated items such as bed linen.

Related: No, monkeypox is not just a “gay illness” for LGBTQ people

According to the CDC, the disease lasts for two to four weeks and eventually heals spontaneously. Dr. Cynthia Snider, Director of Infection Prevention and Medical Care at Cone Health, said there are several treatments, but they are usually reserved for people who are hospitalized with the virus.

Vaccines are currently only available to certain individuals due to limited supply. There are two monkeypox vaccines. The Jynneos vaccine, which is given twice every 28 days, and the old ACAM2000. However, officials say ACAM2000 has a high risk of side effects and cannot be used by people living with HIV.

You are eligible to be vaccinated if:

• You are in close physical contact with a person diagnosed with monkeypox.
• Men who have sex with multiple or anonymous sex partners or transgender individuals in the last 14 days, either in the location of monkeypox or in areas where the virus is endemic. Currently, this includes parts of Europe and California, the District of Columbia, Florida, Illinois, Massachusetts, New York, and several locations in Texas.

Vaccines are available at Forsyth County Health Department If you meet these requirements.

Dr. Cynthia Snyder said the vaccine will eventually be available to more people.

“As the supply of vaccines improves, the health department’s goal is to ensure that vaccines are deployed for prevention and made available in clinics and various clinics and health departments to boost people’s immunity. I think we can increase it, “Snyder said.

Snyder said that practicing proper hygiene and practicing common sense is a good strategy to prevent the transmission of the virus.

“For now, we recommend that you don’t have sexual contact with someone who has a genital rash. That generally makes sense,” Snyder said.

Related: First case of monkeypox confirmed in Mecklenburg County

If you have been exposed to monkeypox and / or appear to be symptomatic, you can go to your healthcare provider for testing.

Based in North Carolina, LabCorp is also the first national laboratory to provide PCR testing for viruses.

“Labcorp appreciates the opportunity to support the CDC in efforts to protect public safety and control the development of monkeypox,” said Dr. Brian Caveney, Chief Medical Officer and President of Labcorp Diagnostics, in a news release. I am. Located in North Carolina’s main lab, it can be expanded to other locations across the country as needed. ”